SUNDERLAND teenagers have stepped into the shoes of the team behind one of the city’s most iconic developments, as part of a programme to inspire them about career opportunities in the region.

Year 9 students from across Sunderland had the chance to learn more about what developers do; how new buildings, public spaces and homes are designed and built; and to find out about the many different professions involved in making and changing a city, as part of a Construction and the Built Environment Sector Day supported by Siglion.

The day saw students explore the Vaux site as well as spending time with the Siglion team, to find out more about the way in which they will deliver projects across the city and the various roles available in the industry.

Students also explored the role of an architect and had the chance to design and build their own model, landmark building.

Lowri Bond, community and placemaking manager at Siglion, helped organise the day for students. She said: “Sunderland is a fast-changing city, with a huge amount of regeneration underway, and much more lying ahead.

“Construction and the built environment are two sectors that represent many thousands of jobs here and across the region, so it’s incredibly important that we show the next generation the opportunities that are available to them and get them excited about some of the projects that are planned for their home-city in the future.

“With a 20-year vision for Sunderland, these young people may well be future employees of Siglion, so we were thrilled to have the chance to welcome them to our HQ and to show them the ropes.”

Throughout the day, young people also had a chance to talk with the various professionals working from the Siglion office and find out more about the different routes and pathways to a future career in the built environment.

John Seager, chief executive of Siglion – which is delivering regeneration projects including Vaux, and development projects at Seaburn and Chapelgarth – said: “A really important part of our work at Siglion is engagement – working with the communities of the city to share details of our plans and involve them in it.

“Young people are the future, and ensuring they know about our plans for their city, help shape them is critical. This event was about more than that though – it gave young people the chance to find out about the opportunities available to them in this field and raising aspirations.”